Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that requires careful medical management. If you’ve been diagnosed with preeclampsia, it’s natural to wonder, “What Do Doctors Do For Preeclampsia?” This article will explain the standard medical approaches to managing preeclampsia, ensuring the health and safety of both you and your baby. Since delivering the baby is the only cure for preeclampsia, medical interventions focus on carefully monitoring the condition until delivery is possible and managing symptoms to prevent severe complications.
Initial Assessment and Monitoring in Hospital
Once preeclampsia is diagnosed, your doctor will refer you to a hospital specialist for a comprehensive assessment. This initial evaluation and subsequent monitoring are crucial to understand the severity of your condition and guide the treatment plan. Depending on the assessment, you might be able to go home with regular follow-up appointments, possibly daily, or you may need to be admitted to the hospital for continuous monitoring and treatment, especially if there are concerns about your or your baby’s health.
If hospitalization is necessary, both you and your baby will be closely monitored. This involves several key procedures:
Regular Blood Pressure Checks
Frequent blood pressure monitoring is essential to detect any abnormal increases, a hallmark of preeclampsia. Doctors and nurses will regularly check your blood pressure to ensure it is within a manageable range and to identify any sudden spikes that might require immediate intervention.
Urine Samples for Protein Levels
Preeclampsia often leads to proteinuria, the presence of protein in the urine. Regular urine samples are taken to measure protein levels, providing valuable information about kidney function and the severity of preeclampsia.
Blood Tests for Organ Function
Various blood tests are conducted to assess your overall health and specifically check the function of your kidneys and liver. These tests help doctors understand the impact of preeclampsia on your organs and guide treatment decisions. Common blood tests include assessments of liver enzymes, kidney function markers, and platelet counts.
Ultrasound Scans to Assess Baby and Placenta
Ultrasound scans play a vital role in monitoring both your baby’s well-being and the placental function. These scans allow doctors to:
- Check blood flow through the placenta: Ensuring the baby is receiving adequate nutrients and oxygen.
- Measure baby’s growth: Monitoring the baby’s development to identify any growth restriction related to preeclampsia.
- Assess amniotic fluid levels: Evaluating the fluid surrounding the baby, which can be affected by preeclampsia.
Electronic Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring (Cardiotocography)
Cardiotocography (CTG) is used to continuously monitor your baby’s heart rate. This electronic monitoring can detect any signs of fetal distress or stress, ensuring prompt action if the baby is experiencing difficulties. CTG helps doctors assess how well your baby is tolerating the pregnancy and any potential contractions.
Medications to Manage High Blood Pressure
Managing high blood pressure is a primary concern in preeclampsia treatment. Doctors often recommend medications to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious complications such as stroke. Several medications are commonly used in the UK, including:
- Labetalol: Specifically licensed for use in pregnant women with high blood pressure, labetalol has been proven safe and effective through clinical trials.
- Nifedipine and Methyldopa: While not specifically licensed for pregnancy, these medications have been used for many years to treat high blood pressure in pregnant women. They may be used “off-label” if doctors believe the benefits outweigh the risks.
It’s important to discuss the chosen medication with your doctor, especially if “off-label” drugs are considered. Your doctor should explain the potential risks and benefits before you agree to treatment, unless immediate intervention is necessary in an emergency. Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend these medications as possible alternatives to labetalol.
Anticonvulsant Medicine
In cases of severe preeclampsia, particularly when delivery is expected within 24 hours or if convulsions (fits) occur, anticonvulsant medicine might be prescribed. These medications help prevent and treat seizures, a serious complication of preeclampsia known as eclampsia.
Delivery of Your Baby: The Definitive Treatment
In most cases of preeclampsia, delivering the baby is recommended around the 37th to 38th week of pregnancy. This is because research indicates that there is no benefit in prolonging the pregnancy beyond this point, and early delivery can reduce the risk of complications.
Delivery might be initiated through:
- Induced Labor: Artificially starting labor.
- Caesarean Section: Surgical delivery of the baby.
The decision on the method of delivery will depend on various factors, including the severity of your preeclampsia, your overall health, and your baby’s condition. If preeclampsia becomes severe before 37 weeks or if there are serious concerns about your or your baby’s health, earlier delivery may be necessary, even though it might result in premature birth.
You should receive comprehensive information about the risks associated with both premature birth and preeclampsia to make the most informed decision about your treatment plan.
Postpartum Care and Monitoring
Even after delivery, preeclampsia requires continued monitoring as complications can sometimes arise in the days following childbirth. You may need to remain in the hospital for postpartum monitoring, including regular blood pressure checks. If your blood pressure remains elevated, medication might be continued or initiated.
If your baby is born prematurely, they may require care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). NICUs provide specialized facilities to support premature babies, helping them develop fully until they are ready to go home.
After discharge, regular blood pressure checks are usually necessary, and you might need to continue blood pressure medication for several weeks. A follow-up appointment with a doctor is typically scheduled about 2 weeks after hospital discharge to review your medication and adjust it as needed. A postnatal check-up 6 to 8 weeks after birth is also essential to assess your overall recovery and determine if ongoing treatment is required.
Understanding what doctors do for preeclampsia can help you feel more informed and empowered during your pregnancy. Close medical management, including monitoring, medication, and timely delivery, are crucial for ensuring the best possible outcomes for you and your baby when facing this condition.
